OC Fair & Event Center Names Kathy Kramer CEO

COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 12, 2014) - The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) Board of Directors announced today that Kathy Kramer has been named CEO, succeeding interim CEO Doug Lofstrom, who is retiring from the organization. The appointment is effective January 5, 2015.

At the December 12 meeting, the OCFEC Board of Directors appointed Ms. Kramer to the new position after a 5-month nationwide search. "We are excited to have Ms. Kramer bring her experience, talents and enthusiasm to the OC Fair & Event Center. I am confident that under her leadership the organization will continue to grow and provide high quality events for the community and first-rate family fun for years to come," said Ashleigh Aitken, OCFEC Board Chair.

Ms. Kramer has a diverse background in for-profit, government and not-for-profit organizations, holding key roles in the areas of strategic planning, sales & marketing, venue operations, production of major events and corporate sponsorship. Her latest position was with Northlands in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where she was the Vice President of Business Operations. Previously, she was Deputy Director of the Phoenix Convention Center and Venues, Vice President of Convention Sales & Marketing for Century Link Center in Omaha, Midwest Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Six Continents Hotels and Resorts and Director of Sales & Marketing for Harrah's Casino and Hotel. She holds a CFE (Certified Facility Executive) from the International Association of Venue Managers and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

"I am thrilled to be joining the OC Fair & Event Center team. I look forward to collaborating with staff, stakeholders and the Board to drive innovation and build upon the long history and vitality of the organization. It's exciting to be part of an organization that has so many possibilities ahead," said Ms. Kramer.

Doug Lofstrom served as interim CEO since 2013. Mr. Lofstrom has been with OCFEC since 2000 and has held key leadership positions serving as Vice President of Events and Director of Planning & Project Management and Operations, as well as Interim Equestrian Center Manager.

Ms. Kramer will assume her CEO responsibilities effective January 5, 2015 and Mr. Lofstrom will remain in an advisory role assisting her through the leadership transition.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, follow us at twitter.com/ocfair or call (714) 708-1500.